Health volunteers praised this National Volunteer Week

2 June 2025

National Volunteers Week takes place 1-7 June every year and is a chance to recognise the fantastic contribution volunteers make to our communities and to say thank you.

Across Hywel Dda University Health Board, invaluable ‘Volunteering for Health’ volunteers give their time freely to support patients, services, and departments to improve the experience of patients in our hospitals. 

Carla, from Carmarthenshire, began her NHS career by volunteering in Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen: “Volunteering gave me an opportunity to explore a new career path and boosted my confidence. I now work as a Health Care Support Worker in the hospital. I can’t thank the volunteering team enough.”

Carter, from Ceredigion, is a volunteer in the Pharmacy Department at Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth: “Volunteering has given me such a great insight into different departments within the hospital. My role delivering medicines to wards has taught me important skills and will be invaluable in any future career. I have learned how to communicate effectively with patients and staff, The role is also an amazing way to connect with the community and meet new people. It’s been a professional and enjoyable experience.” 

Ali, from Pembrokeshire, volunteered in Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest: “Patients have been very engaging when I have done activities with them, and it’s been lovely to see their progress. I love seeing the positive impact myself and other volunteers have on patients’ well-being. It has helped me to understand the real difference people working in the NHS make.”

Lisa Gostling, Director of Workforce and Organisational Development/Deputy Chief Executive for the health board said: “I’m incredibly proud of all our volunteers within Hywel Dda and, on behalf of the Board, I would like to thank you all for selflessly giving your time, skills, and compassion to helping our patients and staff. Your contribution makes a difference every day, thank you.”

Volunteering is a fantastic way to find out about the work involved in healthcare and provides real life experience of interacting with patients and visitors. Volunteer support can be something as simple as chatting with a patient or helping visitors to find the right ward at visiting times. 

You could be a pharmacy volunteer, befriender, working with our shop or library trollies - or in a clinical setting such as a children's ward or emergency department.

For more information about volunteering or work experience opportunities with Hywel Dda University Health Board, visit hduhb.nhs.wales/working-for-us/volunteer-and-work-experience-hub (opens in new tab), call 0300 3036138  (select option 3) or email HDD.FutureWorkforceTeam@wales.nhs.uk